So, what upper-end Kershaw should I be looking for?

Daniel Dorn

Daniel Dorn

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I tend to stick with the ~$150 and up knives, at this point in my life, and go for "Wow" factor.

In this vein, I've already picked up the JYDII SG2, the ZDP Leek, the Kershaw Tyrade, and the Blue Bump (which I have had Kreined).

I know I missed the ZDP Mini Cyclone, but what else is out there? Should I go the ZT route? Those tend to be less flashy, and more tacticool, so maybe not. Should I pick up a Nakamura, while they are still out there? Is there some up-scale Kershaw that I'm not aware of?

I'm looking at a sizeable tax return, and I've been allowed a knife budget. Please feel free to offer suggestions. Although there are several sub $100 folders out there that are tempting, I'm looking for something with a little more Bling, I guess.

Thanks In Advance,
Daniel
 
Daniel, there are (were?) 2 ZDP Mini Cyclones on the auction site yesterday.

Please buy them before my compulsion takes over! :D

Some more nice collectibles are the Boa in 440V (S60V) and it's rarer Multi-color version, the Hawk, Starkey, Talon, and the XXLarge (about the same as the Starkey, but with a 4" blade).

Good Hunting!
 
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Don't discount the ZTs. They may not be too flashy, but they're solid and built to work.

I'm planning to eventually pimp out my ZT 0650st. I want to regrind it to a plain edge with a slight recurve and replace the handle scales with some nice dark desert ironwood (not the scale I'm using currently). This project is definitely on the slow-track, but I think it would be pretty cool to do in the future.

Phillip
 
We can't forget the Offset, one of the only other high end Kershaws you don't already have. There's also the whisper, but...can't find one so for.
 
Get the Mini and Random Tasks. Those are blingtastic and getting super hard to find.
 
SG2 Blur isn't a slouch either. ;)

Oh, and there were 2 versions of the Offset. Splatter and All black G10.

mike
 
If it's the black blades of the ZT that bug you Knifeworks has a special run of 0200 with a bead blasted 154CM blade.
 
I have come to find that all Kershaw knives are "Upper-End" in my book.
I have one of each of these in my personal collection.

KS1840CBZDP
KS1840ST110V
KS1840110V
KS1840CKTDAM
KS1670S30V

The ZT line of knives are excellent though. My brother (2brothers) raves about them all the time. He has a 301 for EDC.

Good luck with your choice. With Kershaw I know it will be a good one.

J.W.
 
The Tyrade is a worthy knife, built stoutly yet a good slicer. It's often overlooked, but there weren't all that many made. Joe
 
he's way ahead of you Mastiff...

the Shun Kaji stuff definitely has some WOW to it...
 
Daniel Dorn said:
Should I pick up a Nakamura, while they are still out there? Is there some up-scale Kershaw that I'm not aware of?
Click to expand...

I have one of these and think it is a very nice knife. In fact I'd be willing to do you a favour and trade you for your Tyrade :D
 
I do have a couple Shun knives, including a Classic Santoku (-uko?) with damascus, as well as the Ken Onion 8" Chef's knife with damascus. Definitely bling in those.

If I could find a Splash Offset, that would probably fit right in with my style preference. Yes, I've looked at the ZT 300 in it's several variations, and if I can scrape enough $$ together, that's pretty high up there, as said, on the Wow factor. I remember the Whisper, and wish I had had the cash when they were readily available. I remember them going for < $200 on the Bay back in the day. :rolleyes: :wistful sigh:

Thanks for the suggestions folks! Keep 'em coming. I'm searching for a Nakamura at the moment, and I'll see about those Mini Cyclone ZDPs.

Daniel
 
The local B&M has a splash Offset for sale here if you want their number. I think it was going for like 280 though, which is pretty insane. I'm not under the impression that they're super hard to find yet though.
 
I would suggest getting two lower end knives and 'Frankenknifing' them

I think the ZDP composite Shallot blade would look awesome with rainbow handles. I will be doing this if my knives ever come in and I can afford and find another 1840VIB. SPX's zpd shallot with black handles is rather nice too. If you do not mind some work/effort some have been polishing their blades. Polished blades would look fantastic with some of the handle choices available. Personally, I wonder if someone could polish a composite blade and still show the nice color variation in the steels.
 
I've seen some Offsets on the Bay for around $160, so am looking into that. I like the idea of a polished composite blade. Or, a Kreined composite. That would be way cool.

Daniel
 
The Offset, I believe, is the largest folder made my Kershaw. It's a pretty unique blade, but one of the few I havent purchased yet (a hair too big for me).
 
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